I'd better not stray too far off-topic as this is a photography forum (else I'd have to put my Moderator's hat on and give myself a stiff wigging! ) so suffice to say I had four sessions in the car, each one with an instructor holding my hand. It wasn't a race and just as well because I hadn't done anything remotely similar before. My best speed was a lowly 145mph (the instructor did a hot lap at the end and hit 155 but his cornering speeds were in a totally different league ). My overriding memories of the day were how violent some of the g-forces could be in what is essentially a road car and yet how utterly civilised the 12C can be when you aren't pushing. Engineering at its best and at its best engineering is art.

Although I had my camera gear with me I didn't have much time for taking photographs other than a few similar to the one above. The pit wall was accessible so I could have spent time there as well but I was otherwise distracted. Obviously I can't speak for other venues but track days seem to be pretty common so if you are tempted then take the camera along. As an aside, there was a pro photographer there with a 5DII fitted with the 16-35mm and I used to own the same kit. I'd forgotten how massive it was and was able to fish my E-M5 and 7-14mm lens out of a couple of trouser pockets and compare them. For paid work the Canon would be far better than the Olympus but for what I want the m4/3rds system wins hands down.

Very nice, I could just about imagine. Have done the odd track day with the motorbike at Philip Island and done the odd lap around our local hillclimb, participated in a VW driver training day at Sandown . Yes the instructors can certainly can corner hard. The McLaren would take this to another level.